Check Out 9 Helpful Calcium Supplements for Bone Health You Can Order Online

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Calcium is the body’s most abundant mineral, and it’s essential for the development and strengthening of bones and teeth, muscle contraction and relaxation, and blood clotting, says Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It’s recommended that adults under 70 consume 1,000 milligrams (mg) daily, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This is best achieved by eating foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt and non-dairy alternatives like kale, broccoli, fortified juices, and tofu. If you eat dairy-free, though, or have been diagnosed with a deficiency by your doctor, then taking a calcium supplement may be a good idea.

Meet the experts: Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N. and Caroline West Passerrello, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.N., both of whom are spokespeople for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Amy Lee, M.D., certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, a member of the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists and the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and head of nutrition for Nucific.

“There are many health conditions that may predispose someone to have a calcium deficiency,” Prest says. Some of those include eating disorders, mercury exposure, lack of parathyroid hormone, kidney failure, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, vitamin D deficiency, and prolonged use of laxatives or chemotherapy drugs. “People who eat high amounts of protein or sodium may also need to supplement calcium because a high intake of either increases calcium excretion,” she adds.

Supplements contain different types of calcium—most commonly calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Calcium carbonate has to be taken with food, as it relies on stomach acid to absorb and can otherwise cause nausea and bloating. Calcium citrate, on the other hand, is more easily absorbed and doesn’t require food to take.

Our top picks

Keep scrolling for the best calcium supplements that are third-party tested, USP-certified, or NSF-certified.

Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.

Calcium (Citrate) Dietary Supplement

Pure Encapsulations offers calcium supplements in easy-to-swallow pill form, which is why Amy Lee, M.D., certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, a member of the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists and the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and head of nutrition for Nucific, is a fan of them. With 90 servings per container, the $31 bottle will last you about three months. The capsules are also gluten-free, non-GMO, hypoallergenic, and NSF-certified.

TheraCal D2000 Bone Health Supplement

Both Prest and Passerrello recommend sticking with supplements that are either USP- or NSF-certified, which means they’re third-party tested. TheraCal is NSF-certified, and contains calcium citrate, a type of calcium that research shows has the best absorption on an empty stomach (compared to calcium carbonate, the other most common type of calcium used in supplements, which has to be taken with food and can cause stomach issues like constipation because it relies on stomach acid to absorb). This formula also contains added vitamin K and vitamin D for optimal bone health.

Calcium 500 mg

“Calcium is best absorbed in doses of 500 milligrams or less,” says Passerrello. That’s because the higher the elemental calcium (percentage of calcium by weight), the more difficult it is for the body to absorb, per the NIH. This dose from Nature Made is USP-certified calcium carbonate and also contains vitamin D3, which aids in absorption, Passerrello adds.

Calcium 600mg + Vitamin D

Affordable and USP-certified, this calcium carbonate supplement will cover your recommended daily allowance in two daily doses of one tablet. They contain vitamin D for optimal absorption, but do need to be taken with food and may cause bloating or upset stomach if they aren’t—especially for those who take any type of acid-reducing heartburn medication. The 600 mg dosage may be slightly more difficult for the body to absorb, as calcium has to dissolve for maximum effect, but the bang for buck here is hard to beat.

Super Calcium+

This NSF-certified formula contains 500 mg of calcium carbonate, as well as vitamin D and magnesium, which is thought to help calcium absorption and is good for bone density, according to Dr. Lee. One tablet a day taken with food should serve the needs of those with a calcium deficiency.

Calcium with Vitamin D3 Gummies

Some calcium tablets can be quite the horse pill, so gummies may be easier to stomach. These from Vitafusion are USP-certified and come in tasty orange, strawberry, and cherry flavors with a serving size of two squares.

Thorne Cal Mag Citrate + Vitamin C Effervescent Powder

Thorne’s calcium, vitamin C, and magnesium powder is a great option for those who don’t enjoy swallowing pills. You can mix the effervescent powder with water for a highly absorbable form of calcium you can drink for bone and muscle health. Plus, its NSF-certified.

Calcium Plus

If you’re ready to commit to regularly taking a calcium supplement, Care/of offers third-party tested tablets of calcium sourced from marine algae in a monthly subscription. You’ll get a 30-day supply of the supplements of $10 a month when you sign up. The tablets also include vitamins D and K2, which help the body absorb the calcium. Plus, they include magnesium for bone health.

Calcium Carbonate Powder

Order this product for an affordable form of pure calcium carbonate powder. It’s highly concentrated, doesn’t include any additional vitamins or minerals, and has been third-party tested. For under $12, you can get more than 200 servings of calcium to support bone and teeth health.

How to choose (and use) the best calcium supplements

✔️ Pay attention to dosage: “Calcium is best absorbed in doses of 500 milligrams or less,” says Passarrello, “so you may need to space out your doses in a day to maximize absorption.”

✔️ Pay attention to type: Calcium carbonate and calcium citrate are the two most common types of calcium found in supplements. Carbonate is usually cheaper and more widely available, but is harder on the stomach and has to be taken with food. Citrate doesn’t require food with consumption, but is usually more expensive.

✔️ Check your supplement lineup: Passarrello says if you take iron, it may affect calcium’s absorption, so it’s best to take those capsules separately.

✔️ Know that supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration: And therefore, it’s best to talk to your doctor before adding one to your rotation.

What is calcium?

Calcium is a mineral found naturally in the body and in multiple food sources, according to Dr. Lee. “Calcium plays a role in bone health to keep it rigid and strong,” she explains. “It can also promote one’s teeth health and, at the level of blood vessels, can help with blood pressure.”

What is the most effective form of calcium?

The two most common forms of calcium supplements are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. Calcium carbonate is the most common and is typically more affordable. However, it requires stomach acid to dissolve it so the body can effectively absorb it, explains Dr. Lee. Calcium citrate is less reliant on stomach acid for absorption, so people can take it without food.

The form that’s best for you may depend on your unique condition, so you’ll want to consult a physician to decide what kind of calcium supplement to buy.

Which calcium supplement is best for bone density?

The best calcium supplement for done density are those that are combined with vitamin D and magnesium, according to Dr. Lee. “They all work hand-in-hand to optimize absorption,” she notes.

Benefits of calcium supplements

“Taking a calcium supplement on a daily basis can prevent dietary gaps.” says Dr. Lee. “Or for those that really don’t like or can tolerate lactose who end up missing out on calcium from natural foods, a supplement may be very helpful.”

As for the benefits of calcium, the mineral aids in the following:

• Developing and strengthening bones and teeth

• Muscle contraction and relaxation

• Blood clotting

• Nerves carrying messages between the brain and every part of the body

• Releasing hormones

What are the risks of taking calcium supplements?

“Surprisingly, too much calcium taken in as a supplement can weaken the bone,” says Dr. Lee. “Some experience kidney stones, fatigue, and muscle cramping,” she adds. That’s one reason why it’s important to consult a physician before taking a new supplement.

How we chose the best calcium supplements

We gathered expert input from Melissa Prest, D.C.N., R.D.N. and Caroline West Passerrello, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.N., both of whom are spokespeople for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. We also relied on the registries of supplements vetted by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to come up with this list of the best calcium supplements.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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